Those red Xs marching across the calendar toward your vacation can bring on conflicting feelings — you’re anxious to take a break, but dreading the stress upon your return.

Take these steps before you go, so you can maintain some of that relaxed feeling back at work.

✓ Plan a day to get settled. Return from your trip a day before you’re due back at work, so you can get organized and unpacked, and perhaps check your messages so you know what lies ahead.

✓ Set realistic goals. Realize that everything probably won’t be finished and tied up neatly before you leave. Complete what you can, and delegate or reschedule the rest whenever possible.

✓ Get coverage. Identify people who can do important tasks while you’re away; prepare them for what they’ll be doing, and leave detailed instructions.

✓ Plan your first day back. Avoid scheduling meetings and conference calls for your first post-vacation day if you can. Make a to-do list of priority tasks to address.

✓ Clean your area. Finally, tidy up your work area so you’ll be greeted after vacation with a fresh space that’s ready for work.

“You may delay, but time will not.” – Benjamin Franklin

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